Surajkund Mela: History, Significance, and its Role in India-Myanmar Cultural Relations

INDIA has been a land of rich cultural heritage, art, and craftsmanship for cen­turies. Its folk traditions, music, dance, and handicrafts are not just expressions of creativity but also reflections of its deep-rooted history. In the modern era, it is crucial to preserve these tradi­tions while also promoting inter­national cultural cooperation.

 

With this vision, the Harya­na government established the Surajkund International Hand­icrafts Mela in 1987. Over the years, this fair has grown into a global platform where artisans, craftsmen, and performers from different countries come together to celebrate their heritage.

 

The Surajkund Mela is held annually in Faridabad, Haryana, during the first two weeks of Feb­ruary. This year it is being held on 7-23 February 2025. A 20-mem­ber delegation from Myanmar is actively participating in the fair this year, with 15 artists and 5 craftsmen. The Mela authorities are hosting the 20-member My­anmar troupe. These artists are presenting traditional dance and music performances, while the craftsmen are showcasing My­anmar’s handicrafts at dedicated stalls, which have been receiving tremendous appreciation from visitors.

 

This article explores the history and significance of Sura­jkund Mela, its impact on In­dia-Myanmar cultural relations, and its growing relevance in BIM­STEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), particu­larly for Myanmar.

 

Surajkund Mela: A Historical Perspective

 

Establishment and History

 

The Surajkund Mela serves as a major attraction for artisans and performers from India and over 30 other countries. The name “Surajkund” comes from a 10th-century reservoir built by Raja Surajpal of the Tomar dy­nasty. This region has a historical connection to solar worship and water conservation. Recogniz­ing its significance, the Harya­na government transformed it into a venue that celebrates the cultural heritage of India and the world. The first Surajkund Mela was organized in 1987 by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism, with the aim of preserving and promoting traditional Indian arts, crafts, and folk culture. Initially, the event featured Indian artisans, but in 2013, it attained international sta­tus, allowing participation from Southeast Asian, African, and Eu­ropean nations. Today, Surajkund Mela is one of the largest cultural fairs in the world, contributing significantly to India’s tourism, trade, and diplomatic outreach.

 

Key Features of Surajkund Mela

 

A Dedicated Theme State and International Partner Country

 

Each year, one Indian state is designated as the “Theme State,” which receives special focus in terms of cultural exhibits, crafts, and cuisine. Additionally, a “Part­ner Country” is chosen to pro­mote international collaboration.

 

International Participation

 

Countries from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Eu­rope actively participate, present­ing their unique art, crafts, and performances. This has strength­ened India’s cultural diplomacy, especially with BIMSTEC nations like Myanmar.

 

Folk Performances and Live Cultural Shows

 

The fair hosts folk dances, music, puppet shows, theatrical plays, and live performances, showcasing both Indian and glob­al traditions.

 

Artisan Stalls and Craftsman­ship Exhibits

 

Thousands of artisans display handcrafted items such as:

Pashmina shawls from Kash­mir

Madhubani paintings from Bihar

Pattachitra from Odisha

Stonecraft from Myanmar

Bamboo crafts from North­east India and Myanmar

 

Economic and Tourism Boost

 

The fair attracts thousands of domestic and international tour­ists, contributing significantly to India’s handloom, handicraft, and rural economy.

 

India-Myanmar Cultural Rela­tions at Surajkund Mela

 

India and Myanmar share ancient cultural and civilizational ties. Buddhism, trade, and folk traditions have linked both na­tions for centuries. The Surajkund Mela serves as a cultural bridge, strengthening these connections through artistic exchange.

 

This year, Myanmar has sent a 20-member delegation, com­prising 15 performing artists and 5 craftsmen.

 

1. Dance and Music Perfor­mances

 

Myanmar’s artists are cap­tivating audiences with perfor­mances such as:

Pankhin Dance - A tradition­al Burmese classical dance.

Saing Waing Ensemble - A unique Burmese musical per­formance featuring traditional instruments.

Burmese Puppet Theater - A storytelling tradition with intri­cate wooden puppets.

 

2. Handicraft Stalls

 

Myanmar’s craftsmen are showcasing:

Lacquerware (Lahkari) - Exquisite wooden and bamboo artefacts with intricate detailing.

Silk Textiles - Handwoven fabrics with traditional Burmese patterns.

Wood Carvings - Depicting Buddhist and cultural motifs.

Bamboo and Rattan Crafts - Eco-friendly handmade prod­ucts, highly sought after in Indian markets.

The response to Myanmar’s participation has been over­whelmingly positive, reflect­ing a growing appreciation for Southeast Asian craftsmanship in India.

 

BIMSTEC and Its Contribution to India-Myanmar Cultural Ex­change:

 

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMS­TEC) is a regional organization that promotes connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange among its seven member countries.

 

As a key member of BIMS­TEC, Myanmar plays a vital role in regional cultural initiatives. Surajkund Mela provides a valu­able platform for BIMSTEC na­tions to showcase their art, music, and handicrafts, strengthening people-to-people connections.

 

BIMSTEC’s contributions to India-Myanmar cultural ties include:

 

Cultural Exchange Pro­grammes - BIMSTEC promotes folk arts, music, and heritage fes­tivals, encouraging collaboration among member nations.

 

Handicraft Promotion – My­anmar’s artisans benefit from exposure to Indian markets, leading to increased demand for traditional Burmese crafts.

 

Tourism and Connectivity - Through BIMSTEC, India and Myanmar have expanded cultural tourism and trade linkages, facil­itating greater participation in fairs like Surajkund Mela.

 

Buddhist Heritage Collabo­ration - Both countries share a deep Buddhist heritage, leading to cultural initiatives such as Bud­dhist circuit tours, exhibitions, and research collaborations.

 

Surajkund Mela as a BIMSTEC Platform:

 

Surajkund Mela has become a hub for BIMSTEC cultural diplo­macy, allowing nations like Myan­mar to promote indigenous art forms internationally, enhance tourism and trade partnerships with India and Strengthen region­al cooperation through cultural heritage.

 

The Surajkund Mela is not just a fair but a powerful cultur­al confluence, bringing together artists, craftsmen, and audienc­es from around the world. For India and Myanmar, the fair fosters economic, artistic, and cultural collaboration, while for BIMSTEC nations, it serves as a regional platform for heritage preservation and people-to-peo­ple engagement.

 

Myanmar’s active participa­tion in the 2025 Surajkund Mela is a testament to the growing In­dia-Myanmar friendship, empha­sizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening in­ternational relations. Ultimately, Surajkund Mela continues to play a pivotal role in connecting cul­tures, preserving traditions, and promoting international harmony through the universal language of art and heritage.

 

Contributed by the Embas­sy of India to Myanmar